Theoretical and practical aspects of cutting and loading by shearer drums

Since the inception in the U.K. of the Anderton Shearer Loader in 1952, its use in U.K. coal mines has increased until today it produces the vast majority of total deep-mined output. On a worldwide basis, the application of longwall mining is moving forward apace and the powerloaders almost invariably being used are of the shearer type. Every shearer-type powerloader is fitted with at least one shearer drum which is required to cut the seam of coal and to load the product onto a face conveyor. It is shown how these two requirements may be achieved in an efficient and safe manner. The cutting function and the loading function of the shearer drum are dealt with, and the U.K. research work on this subject is outlined. The results of the application of this work to, the practical aspects of, and the difficulties which may be encountered with the design and manufacture of shearer drums are assessed. The design and use of shearer drums has a significant bearing on the environmental conditions underground, on the size and quality of the product and on the productivity and profitability of the undertaking. It is concluded that much greater attention to the design of shearer drums is not only justified but essential. (6 refs.)